Frances Tiafoe’s 2024 season looked quite grim at times, and going into Wimbledon, he was 13-15 on the season. Yet, the American had some thrilling and exciting weeks toward the second half of the season, and he is the third-highest-ranked American with not many points to defend going into 2025.
Frances Tiafoe – 2024 Season Review
A Disappointing Start
Tiafoe’s early struggles often came down to a lack of focus. Tiafoe’s second-round loss at the Australian Open was a particular example, where the American lost to Tomas Machac in straight sets. The American eventually reached a semifinal at the Delray Beach Open in February, but he lost 6-2 6-2 to Tommy Paul. He later went 1-2 during the “Sunshine Double,” in March, historically one of his stronger periods in the season.
Tiafoe reached his eighth career final at the ATP 250 event in Houston, suggesting a rise to his top form. He lost to Ben Shelton 7-5 4-6 6-3, one of Tiafoe’s rivals and friends. His success in America could not be replicated anywhere else on the clay courts. He went on a 1-4 run before the French Open, with his lowest point coming at a first-round ATP Challenger Tour loss.
Mid-season improvements
At the French Open, he lost to Denis Shapovalov in the second round, after surviving a five-set thriller in his opening match. Significant ranking points had to be defended in the coming weeks, and the American could not defend his title at the Stuttgart Open in a 5-7 6-4 7-6(1) quarterfinal loss to Jack Draper. The American did have a big bright spot at Wimbledon, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets.
Tiafoe’s ranking hovered close to #30 in the world after his Wimbledon defeat. Returning to his home country during the North American hardcourt swing, Tiafoe began to turn his form around for the better. He reached the semifinals at the Citi Open, stunning Andrey Rublev 7-6(3) 6-4 along the way with his firepower and speed.
A return to his top form, and favorite courts
After a disappointing loss in Montreal, Tiafoe played incredible tennis in Cincinnati. Tiafoe’s resilience and energy, one of his weapons, was on display during a brutal third-round win over Jiri Lehecka. In the semifinals, Tiafoe came from 2-5 down in the third set to stun Holger Rune. He was outplayed in the final by Jannik Sinner, 7-6(4) 6-2.
Tiafoe’s ranking climbed after his Cincinnati loss, but he dauntingly had quarterfinal points to defend at the US Open. The American ultimately reached the semifinals, taking out Ben Shelton in a five-set win. He also defeated Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round, who had just shocked Novak Djokovic. Tiafoe lost to Taylor Fritz in the semifinals, 4-6 7-5 4-6 6-4 6-1.
The American struggled during the remainder of the season, most notably making headlines for a $120,000 fine because of an expletive rant in Shanghai. Tiafoe lost multiple close matches, improving on his groundstrokes but failing to convert on big points in the end.
What’s next for Frances?
Tiafoe will be 27 in 2025, and he’ll have to continue to push for a higher ranking next season. Multiple young American stars loom on the ATP Tour, and Tiafoe must continue his firepower and stay mentally tough to win big matches. Look for Tiafoe to improve on his results early on in 2025 and have another successful North American hardcourt swing.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
